How did this all come about?  
What is T.A.P.S.?

In the year 2000, promoters were working together and trying to act on our ideas to rid our events from the cheats that had a negative impact on our events, mainly series.  These cheats are not in this sport for the right reason. ...what's worse, is they jeopardize the safety of other participants.  We talked and talked, agreeing on few issues, but not enough to make a program work for everyone.  Over time, alliances were formed, promoters working together not just on this issue but event scheduling as well. 

From the summer to the fall of 2003 the promoters / tracks of the TX/OK Pro Circuit Series and the TX Winter Series were diligently working together, compiling ideas to come up with a structured move up program that would be the start of placing riders on an equal playing field.  Tony Miller, Terry Cordray, Richard White and Lisa Pecsok decided to take the first step.  The recommendation sent to us by the AMA in 2000 is what we used to structure our program.  With the input we received from other tracks and riders, we came up with a scale we felt would benefit all tracks in TX and not penalize the participants.  Lisa volunteered the task of keeping the points. 

HISTORY:   In 2003 the participating tracks / promoters were targeting the "C" class.  The program we used compared riders in TX to one another.  We used a scale 10-1 and only if there were 6 or more participants in the class ... first place received 10 points, second is 9 points, third is 8 points, etc.  We determined the rider must have a score in a minimum of 3 events, before figuring their evaluation and the top 15% of the riders (anyone whose results averaged 85% or better) should advance to the next class for 2004.  Rider advancement was done at the end of the 2003 season, on November 30th .... effective December 1st 2003 for the 2004 season.

For purposes of explanation only regarding the information above, please consider the following table below for a visual example:

The best rider performance value in the example is 10 which is equal to 100%.

Rider	Points Earned	Events Ridden	Evaluation	Percentage
Smith	215	23	9.34	93.4%
Hall	235	31	7.58	75.8%

As you can see Smith is in the top 15% of the riders in his class (85% or better).  Hall had a higher score because he rode more events.  But based on Hall's results, he did not do as well as Smith.  Hall is not in the top 15% of his class.

Along with the fact that the three districts in TX are unrecognized districts and smaller issues that we have since overcome, the grade scale we implemented was just a bit far off the AMA Rule Book schedule of points to get the AMA to officially approve this advancement program.

The AMA stated they would "consider" the AP results calculated on racers at the conclusion of the 2003 season.  The participating TX promoters enforced this advancement program for 2004.  Within AMA, Steve Carnegie used it on a case by case, individual basis when determining whether a rider was legal or not to participate at The AMA Amateur National at Loretta Lynn's in 2004.  Our system held solid.

The structure of this program was negotiated until both sides agreed on most issues, keeping rider safety as our number one concern.  With support more than doubling in the Summer of 2004, organizations / tracks / promoters of TX supporting a move up program and the AMA finally agreed on the Texas Advancement Points System, a program for TX and all riders participating in TX events.

TODAY:   T.A.P.S. is now AMA approved / recognized and includes supplemental rules pertaining to TX only.  Each year the program is reviewed and changes, if any, that are requested the the majority are presented to the AMA for approval.  

See below under "How It Works".

One of the few conditions to "approve" this system in 2004 was agreeing to use the National Advancement System schedule of points found on page 35 of the AMA Sports 2005 Rules book.  That was a tough one for all the promoters to swallow, but still in agreement as the previous year, knew we would be able to petition the AMA to vote on a change.  A change, as reflected in the scale below, was approved in 2005 and still applies.

Another condition was to include the "D" and "B" classes, not just the "C" class riders.  "D" class riders are not eligible for end of series awards and would be continually advancing... just one overall class win, and the rider would advance to "C" or the appropriate age group.  That was another tough condidtion for the promoters. We successfully negotiated this condition as you will see below.

The news that TX now has an AMA Recognized Texas Advancement Points System, spread like wildfire through out the motocross community which includes the industry, other promoters and the riders.  The greater majority of all, support our efforts and see this as a positive move toward rider safety, and promotion of motocross.  

The opposition are very few and include the sandbaggers that are not "earning" the trophies and contingencies and promoters that just want to take your money .... give me your money and ride what you want!  

Some of these promoters have copied the system, with few variances, claiming the idea to be owned by them.  We hope everyone wants to use this system.  

You as the rider should beware if any track or organization wants to segregate different advancement systems, especially if localized.  Your RPV would most likely be higher as most riders have a much better performance on their home tracks.  T.A.P.S. is statewide!  T.A.P.S. will consider your performance no matter where you choose to race in TEXAS.

For 2008 as was 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 ... When the protests come in to MX Sports and the AMA regarding TX riders attempting to qualify out of class for the Annual Air Nautiques AMA Amateur National Championships at Loretta Lynn's, this system is AMA approved / recognized and will determine if a rider is legal or not.  

If we do NOT have a RPV on a rider, then the rules pertaining to "time", and other rules stated in the AMA Rule Book will apply.  ... See below.
 
Regardless of district, sanction body or none, advancement points are being kept by one central administrator called the Points Keeper (PK).  Tracks throughout North, South, East and West TX submit race results to the PK.  The PK accepts results submitted by individuals as well.  Results must be complete, listing all riders and finish positions in the select class AND verifiable either by track website displayed on printout or original results from publications.

All tracks can participate.  Tracks must be using the Trackside Plus software so results can be exported directly to the PK.  Tracks / promoters will benefit as well as the riders since the data is kept in a shared database.  With all tracks having access to this .mdb file, they will be able to better promote their events / tracks to the ACTIVE motocross enthusiast and riders who might not otherwise even know their facility exists.  

Another benefit to the riders as well as the tracks / promoters is that John Dains (Founder of Impact Software Group / Trackside Software / MX Transponder / Trackside Kiosk) is hosting a site for the TX promoters participating in T.A.P.S. here: T.A.P.S. Online Reporting.  Within hours, if not minutes of the results being exported to the PK, the race results will be posted online.  The results will also include the APs earned by the rider.  If your not using Trackside Plus, give John Dains a call today:

• John Dains
  1250 Henderson Ave.
  Washington, PA 15301
  Phone (877) 860-1662
  Phone (724) 228-7998
  Fax (724) 228-9153
  Email John

As a rider, you should demand this of your favorite track for your own protection and continued enjoyment of this sport.  If your favorite track is not participating, feel free to fax or email results...they will be used.  Use ALL rulebooks available to you to protect yourself.  

If you are advanced by another track promoter, club or organization, etc., outside of T.A.P.S., please contact Linda or Lisa to find out what your options are PRIOR to riding the advanced class.  If you are advanced AT an event, choose to ride an "open" skill class if available.  If not, spectate for the day.  Do NOT ride the advanced class.  Doing so may jeopardize your chances of staying in the lower class.    

If you are advanced by T.A.P.S. and you feel this is in error, do NOT ride the higher classification until you have followed the same guidelines set forth above in the preceding paragraph.

Again, The Rules of Competition and guidelines set by clubs and organizations are intended to provide for "uniform", "fair" and "safe" competition at all meets.

How it works:  (AMA Approved/Recognized)

• T.A.P.S. is the grading of riders based on "performance" ... NOT "time".... Time is no longer considered when placing riders according to performance.  A rider should not be advanced based on how long he / she has been riding / racing, especially if their ability is not that of the next higher class.  We want riders placed where they are most competitive.  This applies to all riders participating in Texas meets.  Even if you don't live here, if you are normally participating in Texas meets, APs are being kept on you.  Many riders race outside of their home regions to avoid certain advancement systems ... pointing out.
  
  
• APs are earned at ANY event in TX, regardless of district, sanction body or none.  The only two events in TX that do not figure into the equation are the Annual Lake Whitney MX Spring Classic and the GNC Final at Oakhill MX.  These are national events.  A fair assessment cannot be made with hundreds, even thousands of out of state and international participants.
  
  
• By keeping Advancement Points (APs) separate from series Championship Points (CPs) tracks / promoters will be able to generate more interest and activity.  A rider who attends every race, and through his / her participation supports the organizers / tracks of a series is rewarded by accumulating CPs toward the Series / Championship final.
  
  
• That same rider (separately) in the same event, generates an advancement evaluation called a RPV (Rider Performance Value) that reflects to his / her successful participation (performance), rather than how many events he / she has ridden.  A rider should not and will not be promoted just because he / she rode a lot of events and by default accumulated more SERIES points.  Again, Championship Points and Advancement Points are NOT the same.  The more events used to calculate the RPV, the "truer" the score. ... a "truer" record ... Rider Performance Value. ... using Advancement Points only, not Championship Points from a series.
  
  
• A Rider Performance Value (RPV) is calculated by the total number of advancement points accumulated in a season, and then divided by the total number of class entries in which APs were earned.
  
  
• However, in the event there is any discrimination based on poor results the rider wants to be considered ... the rider's entire history for the season will be evaluated by the Points Keeper and if needed, this information will be presented to other promoters for their evaluation and input.  This doesn't not change the RPV, but may lead to a rider being reverted to the lower class.  This process can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on circumstances.
  
  
• The displacement of the machine is not taken into consideration.  APs are earned per rider / per skill level.  To be considered for advancement, a rider must have a minimum of six (6) points paying finishes within his / her skill level.  "Open" skill classes are not considered for evaluation purposes at this time.
  
  
• However, the AMA is keeping advancement points in the youth motorcycle classes.  At this time, we do not consider the youth motorcycle classes in T.A.P.S. as they are mixed skills.  If this rule is changed, it will post under STUFF... the area used on this site for various updates.
  
  
• 2007: Our season in TX runs from November 16th, 2006 through November 15th, 2007 for consideration the following year of 2008.  Riders will be advanced at the end of each season, effective December 1st.
   
• Age effective date is January 1st.  If you are 11 on January 1st, turn 12 on January 2nd, you may ride the entire year, through December 31st as an 11 year old unless entering into a series that starts in December or ends the following year.  ***NEW: If you are a "B" rider, age 15 on January 1st, turn 16 on January 2nd, you are considered to be 15 all season.  T.A.P.S. will not promote 12 -15 year olds to "A" regardless of RPV.  You may advance on your own ability / competence.  The new AMA rule using 15 as the age, replaces 14 years.  T.A.P.S. complies with this rule change.
  
  
• APs will be cleared at the end of each season (with an exception stated below) ... APs are not carried forward to the next season ...  APs are calculated for the current season only.  "D" riders advancing at anytime will earn APs in the next higher class (either age group or classification) for the current season.  
  Exception:  Points for D riders that have already advanced either by T.A.P.S., or voluntarily will be removed periodically. 
  
  
• A "C" rider that is not advanced in 2007, is classified as a "C" rider for the entire 2008 season, unless it is determined the rider is not legal for that class ... the same applies to the "B" class.    Depending on a RPV, that same rider, may or may not be advanced in 2008 for the 2009 season.  Again, "TIME" is not a factor for any "B", "C", or "D" classes.  Some riders may never advance if their skills or ability do not improve.
  
  
• Minibike riders advancing to bigger bikes:
  TIME will never be a factor when determining the classification of a rider.  Advancement is strictly based on performance.  Although T.A.P.S. does not display advancement points for JR minibike riders, we DO have the records.  Most events do not offer D (beginner) skill level classes for 50-65cc riders, therefore it is by circumstance and not by choice that these riders are riding age groups commonly referred to, practiced and accepted as the next level UP from beginner.  Hence: you cannot be both a D rider and age group rider, unless OPEN skill is clearly defined.  No rider is to be penalized with permanent advancement when the option to ride the lower class is not an option.  Many of these riders have not acquired the skills that are necessary to be competitive in the 85cc age groups. 
  
  Effective Immediately:  50-65cc riders advancing to 80cc machines that normally finish in the lower 30% of the smaller bike class and/or normally have non points paying finishes (using the scale for advancement of other riders) MAY be legal to ride the D class ... this does not define that you ARE legal.  Each rider will be considered on a case by case basis.  This rule MAY be applied on a case by case basis to those 80cc riders advancing to big bikes who have not "pointed out" of the D class.  All rules and guidelines set forth in T.A.P.S. will be taken into consideration by a race committee ... similar to a board for appeals. 
   
  
• Riders will be placed where they are most competitive based on the scales below.  We are trying to encourage greater participation in motocross ... we do not want to annihilate efforts of the riders to improve, hence, they leave the sport.

The following (Rev.2005) Schedule of Points will be used to assign APs:

• Except 12-15 year olds and VET (25+), ... all "B" riders carrying a RPV of 15 or higher at the end of the season will be advanced to the "A" class.  Most tracks in TX run and score "A" and Pro riders together, and is usually a money paying class.  "A" riders not competing for money may still be eligible for series overall awards.  Individual promoters have the option to award "A" riders not competing for money with trophy or certificate at individual meets.  "A" riders not competing for money are still legal at most events to run the "open amateur" classes.  
  
  
• The above paragraph varies between promoters.  Based on AMA rules and various track rules any rider who lines up on the line to compete in a money paying class, is no longer considered an "amateur"... whether money was earned or not.  Again, this will vary by track.  Some tracks may still allow you to run open classes ... some may not permit you to run in an open class as it may be defined by their rules as amateur open or amateurs only.  Please read all rules pertaining to any class you enter at any track.  Riders are responsible to be competing in classes they are legal for.
  
  
• All "PLUS" (25 yrs & Up) "C" and "B" riders earning a RPV of 12.5 or higher in the "plus" classes at the end of the season will be advanced to the next higher classification.  APs earned  for participation in the 125 or 250 skill level class will not be combined with your "plus" participation to determine your RPV.  If you are advance in either, it will apply to both.
   
  
• ***NEW:  All 125 / 250 class "C" riders carrying an RPV of 11.5 or greater at the end of the 2008 season will be advanced to the "B" class.  This applies to SR mini bike riders as stated below. ***Corrected to read "2008" .... this is for 2008 rules.  Table adjustment if any for 2008 will post as soon as it is available.***
  
  
• Please take note to avoid being DQ'd:
  No rider is to be classifed as a "C" rider if that rider has ever been classified as an "A" or "B" rider. ... OR ... that rider has qualified at the "regional" level for the AMA Amateur Nationals in any previous year in any class. ... OR ... that rider is receiving or has ever received any type of OEM factory support in any class.  
  
  
• Rider must compete in the highest level ever classified or ridden with any track, club or organization.  No rider shall voluntarily revert back to a lower classification or ride a lower class than defined by their RPV at any time, even after a leave of absence from the sport.  Example:  If you quit the sport a couple years ago (or even ten years ago) and you were classified or had ridden the "B" or intermediate class ... you cannot come back into the sport in the "C" class or lower.  You must file a petition to be reverted or risk disqualification and penalties.  Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.  
    
• 2005 Addendum to mini bike riders advancing to big bikes:  The same scale being used for "C" class riders will apply to mini bike riders.  We are not advancing the top 70% of mini bike riders advancing to big bikes to the "C" class, unless any of the preceding paragraphs apply.  All SR mini bike riders will advance to "C" unless any of the preceding paragraphs apply or he / she carries an RPV of 10 or greater.
  
  
• The "D" class participant is classified as a rider with little to no experience or cannot safely compete in the next higher class based on skills ... which for Big Bike riders is age group or C ... for Mini Bike riders is age group.  Depending on the demands and challenges of individual tracks, each individual track promoter has the option of running "open" classes as all skills (including D and/or A riders) or limiting the skill level and must clearly be defined as such in writing and/or individual track rules. 
  
  
• "D" class participants:  "D" class participants will be NOT be advanced based on the length of "time" they have been riding.  No series-end awards should be given, but varies by track and series.  Once 12 points have been earned, they will be advanced to the next higher classification or age group based on this scale:

• All "D" class participants will have a few if not several top 5 finishes before advancing.  This will be an ongoing tabulation of accumulated points.  For some it will only last a very short time, for others it may be years.  Again ... this scale is based on skill / performance, not "time". "D" class riders advancing themselves to the next higher classification (age or higher skill) at anytime may not return to the "D" class.
  
  
• On the "state / local level", all "B" and "C" riders need to be able to petition the PK of T.A.P.S. to revert back to the class advanced from, anytime during the year based on additional results not figured into the equation, or an extended leave from the sport due to injury that would deem the rider non-competitive in the higher class.  If the PK is unable to justify such a move based on the guidelines here in, the PK must then form a Board Of Appeals by soliciting a minimum of 3 other promoters that are not know by the PK to be directly involved/connected to the rider by friendship or other.  The PK will advise the rider what materials and information is needed and work with the rider so the BEST (accurate & complete) case is presented to the Board Of Appeals.  Linda Teale has made herself available to help riders with this process and present their BEST (accurate & complete) case.  The identity of the rider will not be made available to the Board Of Appeals to assure an un-biased decision is made.  The members of the board of appeals will not be made available to the rider to assure undue persuasion is not made. If the rider disagrees with the decision made by the Board Of Appeals he can officially appeal to the AMA for a fee.  
  
  
• All appeals must go through T.A.P.S. first.  The AMA will not consider other.  All appeals with decisions and any material that was considered will be forwarded to the AMA.  You must present an appeal in FULL.  No additional material will be considered at a later time.  You have one chance at presenting your best case to appeal.
  
  
• Appeals:  If you would like to contest the advancement of a rider ... you must be the rider or the parent of a minor rider.  We will not accept appeals from any other such as sponsors, etc.  
  1.)   You must first file your appeal on the state level by submitting additional information or results that would affect the RPV to the PK via: email, fax or letter (no phone calls).   An email stating you are not happy about being advanced and shouldn't be is not an appeal.  Please provide as much proof as possible.  Information and results must be from your participation in TEXAS motocross, supercross or arenacross events.  As stated earlier, this is the TEXAS Advancement Points System.  These results must be complete for the class and verifiable with the promoters contact information submitted as well.  If such information and results cannot be submitted, the advancement will most likely stand "as is".  One of the duties of the PK is to assure "fair" and "consistent" enforcement of the T.A.P.S. rules.  
  2.)   Only if T.A.P.S. cannot reverse the advancement, then you will be able to present your case to the AMA for a fee of $100 made payable to AMA and sent to:
  Ryan Holliday - AMA Sports Manager
  American Motorcyclist Association
  13515 Yarmouth Drive
  Pickerington, OH  43147
  
  
• Protests:  NOT accepted anonymously!  If you have documentation proving a rider is not legal for the class they are competing in, you may submit such proof via: mail or fax to the PK.  Emails and phone calls directing us to the information such as web links to results will not be accepted .... it must be provided.

All riders are responsible for complying with the standards and practices set forth by T.A.P.S.  We hope this site provides you with a better understanding of T.A.P.S.  Please support those who are protecting your interest in this sport. 

... THANK-YOU!